Local news briefs for Dec. 28

On New Year's Eve, all TriMet service is free after 8 p.m. and will run on regular Saturday schedules with extended MAX late-night service. The last MAX Blue Line trip to Gresham leaves Pioneer Square South at 3:06 a.m.

On New Year's Day, Jan. 1, and TriMet's observed New Year's holiday, Jan. 2, TriMet will operate on Sunday schedules.

Call 503-238-RIDE or visit trimet.org to plan your trips ahead of time, as several bus lines do not have Sunday service.

The AARP Driver Safety Program is an eight-hour classroom course designed for drivers age 50 and older. Auto insurance discounts are available in most states after taking the course. Attendees will need to consult with their insurance agent to see if a discount applies to them.

The course is $14 per person and $12 for AARP members. Seating is limited and reservations are required.

The classroom is handicapped accessible. To RSVP, call 503-667-4500.

Free cat food for cat surgeries

The Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon and The Pongo Fund will give caregivers free cat food throughout January when they bring a feral or stray cat to the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon to be spayed or neutered.

All spay/neuter services are provided by the coalition on a donation basis. Food will be given while supplies last.

The coalition encourages caregivers to get their free-roaming cats spayed and neutered before they go into heat and have kittens in the warmer months. A cat can be safely spayed or neutered as early as 2 months old.

Call 503-797-2606 or visit feralcats.com for more information and an address.

Apply for block grants, home funds

The city of Gresham and Multnomah County invite potential sponsors of housing and community development projects to attend a workshop to learn more about applying for two federal grants.

The workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Jan. 4, at Gresham City Hall, 1333 N.W. Eastman Parkway.

The city of Gresham will have federal Community Development Block Grant and Home Investment Partnership Program funds available after July 1. Multnomah County will also have federal Community Development Block Grants available next year.

The programs are meant to help first-time homebuyers, enhance viable communities, assist with rehabilitation and development of affordable housing and provide funds for public services.

Applications, criteria and schedules will be available at the workshop. Call Carol Cade at Multnomah County at 503-988-6295 or Louise Dix with the city of Gresham at 503-618-2618 for information.